We have been waiting all season for a really good northeaster - and we sure got it on Saturday - beautiful 15-25 knots !!

We had a pretty good fleet turn up including Southern Cross having its first race under new ownership - what a day to learn to sail a Sharpie.

From the start, Mainiac and Mr Freeze had their usual battle to the first mark with Mainiac showing improved upwind speed in those conditions. The rest of the fleet wasn't far behind, however what turned out to be an afternoon of carnage started before the first mark with John and Lachlan on Skulker who were flying in third place having their mainsail explode - and their jib destroyed itself while being towed back.

Mr Freeze just beat Mainiac round the first mark with The Ribwich, Pleasure and Pain and Southern Cross following. Wilful Intent and Prawn Star were sailing consistently. Poseidon had a swim before the start and Zoe hurt her back - they started the race to see if it would improve but it didn't so took the best option of returning to the club. Nothing too serious !

Pleasure and Pain withdrew because of a broken trapeze elastic, Southern Cross and The Ribwich both ended up with masts stuck in the mud and Prawn Star withdrew late in the race after losing a crew.

In the end there were only three finishers, Mr Freeze and Mainiac had trouble-free races and Wilful Intent sailed well to finish third although they need to start using the spinnaker in stronger breezes

Unfortunatly, after the race we noticed that Southern Cross had bent the top of their mast - lucky they got three with the boat. The bent mast may be repairable with a new tip or some judicious bending.

For those who finished it was a fantastic day with really great rides. Thanks to the starters for setting a really good course.